Amina Mohammed Plans Nigeria Return After UN Tenure Ends Dec 2026
Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, says she will return to Nigeria when her tenure ends on 31 December 2026, and ruled out seeking any public office there. Speaking in an Arise TV interview in New York on Monday, she described her ten-year UN stint as a privilege that gave her networks and visibility, which she intends to use to contribute to Nigeria's and Africa's development. She added that while Nigeria is where she 'sits,' Africa is her 'oyster.' Mohammed, who previously served as Nigeria's environment minister under President Buhari from November 2015 to early 2017 and helped shape the Sustainable Development Goals, also urged women to rely on support systems when balancing career and family, warning that gains in women's rights remain incomplete and that struggles continue over workplace equity, home life, and gender-based violence.
Her planned return comes as Nigeria pushes to meet its 2030 SDG targets, facing challenges in climate action, poverty reduction, and gender equality. Analysts note her global profile and UN experience could strengthen partnerships between Nigeria and international agencies, especially in areas where she previously led, such as environmental policy and sustainable development frameworks.
While she will not seek elected office, her influence may shape policy through advisory roles, civil society engagement, or private sector collaborations. How might her expertise be leveraged to accelerate progress on the SDGs in Nigeria, and what specific contributions would you like to see from her return?